Day Two of the 2004 NAMM Summer Session: Business, Education and Entertainment

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, hosted the second day of its 2004 NAMM Summer Session today at the Nashville Convention Center and adjoining Gaylord Entertainment Center.

Many of the day’s attendees stopped by last night’s concert at The Hang in the Gaylord Entertainment Center, where the Spin Doctors performed and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest winner was announced: Arthur Godfrey received the award of Maxell Song of the Year 2003—and a check for $20,000.

The consistently busy show floor was filled with industry professionals who were attending business meetings, writing orders and checking out the latest gear on display.

“This is my first NAMM Summer Session, and it was great to get to meet a lot of the reps that you don’t get to see very often,” said Mark Thompson of Sweetwater in Fort Wayne, Ind. “I think it’s been a really great experience all the way around to be with a progressive company that sees the vision that it’s very important for all of its employees to come down and get the training, see the new things, make the contacts, build the relationships—it’s just going to make our business grow.”

The day’s NAMM University sessions—free to show attendees—included a keynote session called “Explode Your Store’s Sales!” presented by Bob Negen. The 17 sessions offered throughout the day were well-attended by people looking for new information and useful tips for improving their businesses.

“I’m in corporate sales so this (“Top 1 Percent” presented by Bill Hinely) was a good session to listen to because a lot of times you know the things but you’ve got to get a constant reminder … ‘Am I doing this or not?’” said Michelle Wehr of Tech Art Signs in Farmington Hills, Mich. “I share [session tips] with other people in our organization.”

Show-goers could also try their luck at the NAMM Fastest Drummer Contest, held in the Gaylord Entertainment Center. Competitions began yesterday and continue through tomorrow, when the titles of “Fastest Hands” and “Fastest Feet” will be awarded.

The evening’s annual All-Industry Drum Circle provided a great way for many attendees to wrap up their show day. The group drumming session drew a large crowd outside the main entrance to the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

Tomorrow’s events include a lively morning wake-up call at the Gospel Music Pancake Breakfast, featuring performances by The Crabb Family and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, with proceeds to benefit the American Music Conference. The final heats of the NAMM Fastest Drummer Contest will take place tomorrow afternoon. For more information, interested parties can log on to www.nammsummersession.com.